Arsenal came into Sunday’s game against Chelsea with a sense of optimism.
The Gunners would go back to the top of the table with a win, while Chelsea have been struggling through their worst season since Roman Abramovich arrived over a decade ago.
But that optimism quickly turned to misery after their worst fears were realised in a chaotic first half performance.
First, Per Mertesacker was given a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Diego Costa with just 18 minutes gone.
Yes, Costa made a meal out of that challenge from Mertesacker but it was a definite red & foul. Fair play to Clattenburg for taking his time
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) January 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/__arsenalnews_/status/691296216412483584
https://twitter.com/ArsenaIDan/status/691295765516414976
That's why Mertesacker gave Walcott the captain's armband just before kick-off. Get it out of the way early.
— Ryan Keaney (@RyanKeaney) January 24, 2016
Think this dabbing situation is getting out of hand, even when just being sent off, Mertesacker Dabs.. pic.twitter.com/7EckZGqNDS
— Jordan (@FourFourJordan) January 24, 2016
Arsene Wenger needed to bring on Gabriel Paulista, which meant someone had to make way.
In the end, that man was Olivier Giroud, and Arsenal fans weren’t happy to see their main striker leave the pitch after just 20 minutes, with a chorus of boos ringing round the Emirates.
https://twitter.com/BlackScarfAFC/status/691295903190220801
https://twitter.com/gunnerblog/status/691294726142742530
Giroud is bigger than Wenger, hope he puts in a transfer request
— Olly (@Giroudesque) January 24, 2016
Wenger must give a detailed report as to why he took out Giroud.
— 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 🇿🇦 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸. (@Dan24Stock) January 24, 2016
So Wenger takes off our only excuse of a striker in a game 10 v 11 go figure #wengerout
— Des O Keeffe™ (@Pog_mo_GOONER) January 24, 2016
Then Costa heaped the misery on the home fans as he tucked away a cross ahead of three Arsenal defenders.
https://twitter.com/theodorelasso/status/691298929690984448
A D'oh! moment for Arsenal, who take off Giroud and send on Gabriel, who's immediately beaten at the near post by Costa for Chelsea's goal
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) January 24, 2016
Man down & a goal down in 22 minutes. Arsenal just always flop against Chelsea.
— Sam (@samuelJayC) January 24, 2016
We've lost the plot. #afc
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 24, 2016
